A hero's welcome for Sergeant Sean after completing nine marathons in nine days

Finola Fitzpatrick

Running one marathon after months of training can be challenging enough for anyone, but Sgt Sean Dunbabbin from Harrogate has completed a staggeringly impressive nine marathons over nine consecutive days, across nine different counties - all in aid of a military charity.

So dedicated to raising money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Sean not only braved the extreme physical endurance required for the marathons - he also had to cope with being away from his family during what would have otherwise been precious leave time to spend with them.

Sgt Dunbabbin.

Raising over £2,400 for the charity, with donations still flooding in, the challenge has taken him to Stafford, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Cheshire, and finishing on the Stray here in Harrogate - where he was greeted by his family, supporters, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate.

A serving soldier with the 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, and posted to the town’s Army Foundation College, Sean is in awe of the work that the ABF does, and said it was an honour to be able to support such a great cause.

Sean said: “The ABF supports you for life, from day one of you being a soldier, they do amazing work.

“I’d never done a marathon before, and had only done up to 15 miles beforehand. When I injured my knees and ankles in Sheffield which was my fifth one, I just kept thinking I couldn’t quit there, I was thinking about all of the people who have sponsored me.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate Coun. Nick and Linda Brown, family, well wishers and friends welcome Sgt Sean Dunbabbin to Harrogate. (1705073AM5)

“The support I’ve had along the way has been amazing. At most of the locations I’ve had at least one person running with me. It was hard at times running in so many parks seeing families spending time with their children, it reminded me of the time I was spending away from my family.”